Why “FredEx” Will No Longer Be Delivering in Buffalo in 2015

Yes, you read that correctly. And no, it’s not a typo. Fred Jackson, or as many fans call him, “FredEx” and “The InFredible Hulk,” will be one of the cuts for the Buffalo Bills in the 2015 season. While he has become a fan favorite and a mainstay in a Bills uniform, the beloved Jackson will become expendable in a suddenly packed and talented backfield. With that being said, let’s delve into three reasons why the Buffalo Bills will no longer be taking deliveries from FredEx when the 2015 season gets underway:

He’s 34 years old and not getting any younger:

It’s not secret Jackson is one of the oldest players on not only the Bills, but also in the NFL. While he’s been productive for the Bills over the past few seasons, his age may be what ultimately leads to his demise in Buffalo. With the blockbuster trade for former Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, as well as drafting former Florida State running back Karlos Williams, and also still having Bryce Brown and Anthony “Boobie” Dixon on the roster, Jackson may simply be the odd man out as the other backs are younger, faster, and more elusive. While it’s too early to tell if Williams will work himself into the rotation, having a workhorse back like McCoy, a speedster like Brown, and a bruiser like Dixon, the Bills have three backs that possess all the skills Jackson has and will be able to rotate in and out of the backfield and stay healthy; something Jackson has struggled with in the past. The Bills now have a three (maybe four if Williams makes the roster) headed monster in the backfield, which is much harder to game plan against than an aging player who has trouble staying healthy. Opposing defenses will have no idea how to defend against the Bills’ running attack. Without Jackson on the roster, the options are limitless with the running backs the Bills will have in his absence.

There’s too much talent on this current roster to keep him:

The Bills’ recent influx of new talent will make it difficult to find room on the roster for Jackson. With the additions of the aforementioned LeSean McCoy, Jerome Felton, John Connor, Percy Harvin, Tyrod Taylor, Matt Cassel, and Charles Clay as well as returning players Sammy Watkins, Chris Hogan, and Robert Woods, you can see how quickly the roster spots begin to disappear. Jackson’s age, coupled with the talent the Buffalo Bills have added, will be just another reason the Bills won’t keep him moving forward. During the 2014 season, Fred Jackson was slowly being phased out of the running game and being utilized mainly on third downs and goal line package while CJ Spiller received an increase in snaps. With Spiller gone to New Orleans and new coaching regime in place, it will be time for Jackson to pack his bags and decide to either hang up the cleats or try to latch on with another team as a situational rusher.

He’s slowly on the decline:

This may be the most important factor towards Jackson being released. In 2014, he rushed for a measly 525 yards while scoring just two touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t going to win you many games in today’s NFL. Chalk it up to mediocre QB play and a suspect offensive line, but those numbers are atrocious in every sense of the word. Contrast those numbers to 2013, where he rushed for 890 yards and nine touchdowns. Those numbers are a little more respectable and more like what the fans are used to seeing from him. With the numbers he put up in 2014, there’s no reason to think he can get back to his 2013 production, and that’s something that won’t sit well with new head coach , who’s in a “win now” mentality and has the team already pointed in the right direction.

These are just a few reasons why Fred Jackson will not be on the 2015 Buffalo Bills roster. While Fred has won over the hearts of fans, his teammates, and the Bills front office, there’s simply no room on this current roster for a player who’s 34 years old, hasn’t been productive, and is not as talented as the players around him. Much to the dismay of many fans, it’s time to say goodbye to number 22 and start looking forward to the future; which could mean a division title and a playoff berth for the first time in a decade and a half.

What are your thoughts? Leave comments below

Alex Rugile @alexrugile

Link to: Bills Fanatics FB Group

#FredJackson #BuffaloBills #LeSeanMcCoy #billsrunningback #RexRyan #gregroman